Keeping The Faith—Part 2
by Wayne Lerner
PART 2
12:45 pm
The massive Gothic structure appeared behind the trees as they drove up the quarter mile private roadway. Five stories tall and taking up half of the three acre property just south of the park, the mansion was an imposing sight. For eighty years, it was known as the Cardinal’s residence. Prior to being given to the Archdiocese of Chicago, it was the private home of one of the city’s early magnates, Jerald Smith, a womanizing philanthropist.To offset his shady reputation, the owner donated his home to the Church. He hoped this would allow him passage into heaven, somehow nullifying his numerous illegal and immoral business dealings, including murder.
Cognitive dissonance and rationalization are, indeed, two powerful forces.
The residence was large enough to house living quarters for all of the support staff, the Nuns who served the Cardinal, visiting Church dignitaries and multiple formal rooms for social and Church functions. Off limits to the public were the Cardinal's living quarters and his Chapel.
David parked in the immense circular driveway in front of the residence. Sr. Theresa had already let herself out and was walking up the steps to the front of the house as David locked his car.
“You can’t be too careful,” thought David. “Even here.”
Two seven foot tall doors, hand carved with symbols from the New Testament, greeted them as they rang the doorbell.
A stoop-shouldered Nun, who appeared to be close to ninety, opened the door and led them into the foyer which had ceilings over twenty feet tall and furniture which dated back to the origins of the house.
“The Cardinal and the Bishops are finishing their lunch. Please take a seat right here.” she said. “It will be just a moment before I can escort you to their meeting room.”
David and Sr. Theresa sat in silence, lost in their thoughts. They imagined the road ahead of them with trepidation. The weight of the responsibility on their shoulders made itself known.
A few minutes later, Father Garrity walked into the foyer and greeted Sister and David with his ever-present smile. Short in stature with elf-like features, Garrity’s initial impressions fooled everyone he met. Garrity was a full Professor at Loyola University Law School and a frequent speaker at conferences on Catholic health care. His facade and persona hid a computer-like mind filled with both Canon and secular law facts and rulings. .
“Good afternoon, Sister,” he said. “And a good afternoon to you, David. It is surely going to be a remarkable day, isn’t it?”
“What does he know?” thought David. “Why is he so jovial, so at ease? Has he talked to the Cardinal already? Like a good Chicago politician, has he counted the votes and know the outcome before the meeting starts? Or is he just trying to get us to relax?”
“Father, thank you so much for the support you have shown the Congregation over the past years,” Sister said, “and especially during this trying time. We wouldn't be here without your guidance and counsel.”
“That's for sure,” said David. “No one could have crafted a better strategy than you did.”
“Yes,” he replied, “but it was the three of us who devised the final plan which has been put before the Cardinal and the Bishops. David, your reading of the Directives combined with your knowledge of healthcare policy and management led us to today. If the Cardinal approves it, it will become a model for Catholic institutions all over the country.”
“I sure hope so,” replied David. “In the old days, places like ours could be independent, invest in new services and remain committed to our community. Today, the movement towards partnerships and affiliations is accelerating. We can’t stop progress but we can forge an agreement based on our important historical foundations.”
“Just between us,” Garrity continued. “I can tell you the Cardinal was quite impressed by your thinking and concern for adhering to the Directives when he first read the document. However, the Cardinal’s initial positive review will not be enough today. There are political games afoot. He has to maneuver around them to get to the outcome we want.”
As Sister and David nodded their heads in agreement, the Nun who showed them to their seats in the foyer said in a quiet voice, “The Cardinal’s Council will see you now.”
With a shuffling gait and the aid of an old wooden cane, she led them down a long hallway strewn with antique furniture and oil portraits of past Cardinals. The floors squeaked under the weight of their feet as they walked towards the Cardinal’s main conference room. A distinct musty smell was evident throughout the house.
“That racket would get old quickly,” David thought to himself. “All I have to put up with at home is those fucking squealing pipes.”
“I'm glad I don't live here,” mused Father Garrity. “The myriad of noises in this house would make me crazy. And the odor! How can one think, much less pray, with all of these annoyances?”
They turned left and entered an immense room with windows framing the park. The winter sun threw shadows on the floor which seemed to dance towards the elegant grandfather clock in the corner of the room. Sunset was close at hand.
They stepped on a rich Oriental area rug, situated beneath the rectangular conference table that took up the majority of the room.
“More riches for the Church while support for the parishes dwindles,” thought David. “I just don’t get it.”
Lunch completed, the Nuns were cleaning up the dishes and laying out coffee cups and plates of cookies for the Bishops.
“Servants of the Lord serving Servants of the Lord,” thought David. “There’s something just not right with this scene.”
With observable difficulty, the Cardinal rose from his seat to welcome his guests to the meeting. To their amazement, the Bishops remained seated.
“What pompous asses,” thought David. “They don’t even have the manners to greet their guests properly. No respect for Sister or Father Garrity.”
David gave a sideways glance at Garrity who nodded his agreement. He, too, was insulted by the Bishops’ behavior as they showed disdain for their presence and the discussion to unfold. The impertinence of the Bishops was not lost on the Cardinal.
“Welcome, Father Garrity, Sr. Theresa and Mr. Coady to our Cardinal’s Council meeting. It is here that we debate, discern and decide items of importance to the Archdiocese, the Church and the faithful of Chicago.” The Cardinal paused to take a deep breath. “We take our responsibility very seriously. The topics deliberated by this group are weighty, indeed. And your proposal is one of the most important and complex we will have addressed in a very long time.”
The Cardinal steadied himself on the table in front of him and then continued. “Considering a partnership between a Catholic hospital and a Federal system of clinics has many consequences, as you might imagine. Some of them we can anticipate; others will be unintended. It is the latter with which we are most concerned.”
The Cardinal let his words sink in as he labored to sit down in his high-backed chair. Directly across the large table from David and Sr. Theresa, the Cardinal held the position of authority. Father Garrity sat to David’s left, just around the corner of the rectangle and in direct view of Bishop Piwonski who sat across from him. Garrity took this seat on purpose so he could monitor Piwonski’s actions.
Each of the Bishops introduced themselves, Piwonski was last. His welcome was laced with acidity. It was clear he wasn’t happy being present to deal with what he would consider such a heretical proposal. If body language was a gun, the invited guests would have been dead at “Hello, my name is…”
The Cardinal sat back with his arms crossed waiting for the presentation to begin. Bishop Piwonski sat forward in attack mode, elbows on the table, his hands flexing into a fist as his eyes darted around the table trying to ascertain who was going to side with him and who would not.
Sr. Theresa sat next to David with her hands folded in her lap, holding her Rosary beads. Father Garrity assumed his traditional professorial position with the fingers of his hand placed against his face. His pose always reminded David of how Jack Benny would look when telling his stories on TV.
The rest of the Bishops retreated back into their chairs. They did not want to be here and their demeanor showed it. They were unwilling participants in a power struggle drama yet to unfold.
“Each of us has received your proposal and read it in detail,” the Cardinal said, in opening the deliberations. “This is a difficult decision for us as it is precedent-setting. I could not find another example of a Catholic/non-Catholic partnership across the country which would have to abide by such restrictive Federal regulations.”
The Cardinal stopped and looked around the table at each of the Bishops. “I am aware that the three of you drafted this Stewardship Agreement. It would cover how you treat the patients coming to the hospital within the rules set down by the Ethical and Religious Directives. But, as I said to you before, abiding by the letter of the law and agreeing to follow the Directives is not enough assurance for me or this Council.”
The Bishops nodded their heads in agreement at this statement but said nothing.
The Cardinal leaned forward as he emphasized the point he was about to make. “We have to be convinced that the execution of the agreement would be without variation or interpretation. It would have to apply to all patients in order to preserve the hospital’s Catholicity. Our obligation is both to the Church and its flock but, make no mistake, it is the Church’s principles which are our first priority.”
“Thank you, your Eminence,” replied Father Garrity as he rose to address the Council. “We are very aware of these conditions and have taken them into consideration when we drafted the Stewardship Agreement. We want it to be a model, not just for our hospital, but across the country.”
Father Garrity took a sip of coffee and continued. “As everyone here knows, the movement towards these kinds of secular/faith-based partnerships is accelerating. These partnerships are
not going to go away. In fact, healthcare is in the midst of a rapid transformation to a corporate delivery system of care where size matters in negotiations with payers. We have constructed a model where we can be true to our faith, our patients, the Church and still allow the hospital to grow and succeed.”
“It can’t be a model for others!” exclaimed Bishop Piwonski as he leaned forward as if to attack Father Garrity. “What’s the assurance that these other institutions will execute them in line with the agreement?”
Piwonski’s voice increased in intensity. “We are gambling with Church doctrine! I, for one, will not stand for any such risk taking!”
Father Garrity looked at Piwonski for what felt like a long time, then replied in a quiet voice. “All we can do is craft a constitution between the Church’s disciple organizations and these systems which meets all of their needs. It is then up to their governing boards, leadership and Sponsors to make sure all the regulations and responsibilities are being adhered to.”
Father Garrity shifted his gaze to the Cardinal. “I can assure you, your Eminence, that, among the Sisters, the lay hospital Board and the CEO, we have dedicated ourselves to these very same principles that Bishop Piwonski holds so dear. So do we.”
“Father Garrity,” Piwonski challenged as he rose from his seat. “I have great respect for your legal and Canonical mind and I know your heart is in the right place. As you are aware, I have my doubts. I have expressed them privately to you, to the Cardinal and to the Sisters.”
Piwonski looked directly at David as he continued his aggressive tone. “I have not addressed them to Mr. Coady. He is not a member of our faith and could not begin to appreciate their true importance.”
David glared back at Piwonski but said nothing in response. The time was not right for a frontal attack. Not yet. But soon.
Then Piwonski shifted his gaze to Sr. Theresa. “The Sisters are getting older, there are fewer of them than ever before and their ability to govern is certainly in question. After all, they appointed a non-Catholic to the senior-most position at the hospital.”
Piwonski looked at each of the Bishops and then continued to address Sr. Theresa. “Is this a sign of good judgement? How can I and my fellow Bishops approve such a document when decisions like this are being made?”
“Bishop Piwonski,” the Cardinal interjected. “I want to remind you that the final decision is mine. It is my recommendation that will be sent to Rome for their approval. I appreciate the intensity of your questioning to ferret out the intricacies and weaknesses in this plan. Please remember, today’s Council’s deliberations are just one of many I will seek out as I make my decision.”
“Of course, Your Eminence,” Piwonski retorted, with animus in his voice. “But I want to make sure we give their proposal a fair hearing. This is one of the most important deliberations we have dealt with in a very long time with many consequences...for all of us!”
“Please sit down, Bishop Piwonski,” reprimanded the Cardinal. “Let them continue!”
There was concern on the faces of the Bishops. They knew this was just the first of the salvos from Piwonski. He had briefed each of them before the meeting on his strategy and the tactics he was going to employ. They wondered how the Cardinal would bear up under this type of assault, whether he had the strength to fend off the attack.
The Cardinal took a long breath and continued. “Members of the Council, let me remind you, Mr. Coady’s faith community is not the issue today. He has worked hard for many years, hand in hand with the Sisters and Father Garrity, to save the hospital. He is the one who has the knowledge of the healthcare field to find a path to allow us to preserve the Catholicity of the hospital. And maybe, just maybe, survive in this competitive world.”
The Cardinal paused once again to let his words sink in as the Bishops squirmed in their seats. “The decision before us, before me, is whether the Agreement and the faith we have in honorable people is enough to recommend this new approach. So, let’s cut to the chase, as the young people say. Let’s get to the crux of the issue. No extraneous assertions, no personal opinions, just the facts presented before us as the foundation for the obligations we have to Rome.”
“Of course, Your Eminence, I meant no disrespect to the CEO and, certainly, not to Father Garrity or Sr. Theresa,” replied Bishop Piwonsk as he sat back in his chair. “I didn’t mean to insult anyone or cause any harm.”
Piwonski never looked at David as he gave his half-hearted apology but directed his glare at each of the Bishops. Moving from one to another, he gave them the message they knew was coming.
Stand with me and you stand with the Church. This Cardinal’s weak and can’t tend to his flock. We need a stronger leader for our Archdiocese.
Garrity saw what Piwonski was doing and rose from his seat. “Your Eminence, I address you as the leader of all Catholics in Chicago. I know you to be a man of the Church but also the people. It is decisions like this which the Bible tells us, in story after story, of how leaders do the best they can for those they serve.”
Father Garriy paused to take a drink of water and then continued, making sure to maintain control of the discussion. “The three of us have carved a path which balances the exigencies of
the Church and the secular world. If you do not recommend our plan to Rome, the hospital will close on a date certain. This is absolute.”
Garrity looked at each of the Bishops as he made this final point, leaving Piwonski for last. “When we leave today and you begin your deliberations, we would like you to remember that many sacrificed themselves for the good of those they served. Certainly, the Sisters did by their hard work and the loans they gave the hospital from their retirement fund. Every employee took a pay cut to try and save the hospital. The challenge to us today is simply one of our faith in mankind.”
Garrity paused again. “Yes, there are no assurances and, yes, agreements can be broken. But if we don’t trust that good people will follow their intentions, then how can we be sure of anything?”
Garrity then directed his closing comments directly at Piwonski. “As a wise person once said to me, ‘even if someone is born Catholic and religiously attends Church, does that mean we can assure ourselves that they are a good person, that they are true to their word?’”
Garrity paused yet once more. “No, it is only by actions and personal sacrifice that we know someone is truly good. That is the case today with the Sisters, the staff of the hospital and, yes, Bishop Piwonski, Mr. Coady.”
Father Garrity then turned to speak exclusively to the Cardinal, thereby recognizing his sole authority for the decision forthcoming. “Your Eminence, if you have any other questions for us, please proceed, sir. Otherwise, I have no interest in continuing this irrelevant debate with Father, I mean, Bishop Piwonski!”
Piwonski began to rise to counter Father Garrity’s parry but was cut off by the Cardinal. A show of force not seen by any of the Bishops ever before. The Cardinal was always soft spoken. He was used to having his word followed, not challenged.
“Sit down, Bishop Piwonski, now!” Shaking from controlled anger, the Cardinal continued.
“I’ll have no more of this disrespectful behavior in my house. These are our guests. They have come to us because those they care for are in jeopardy. We have a responsibility to them and the Church. Let’s remember this.”
Piwonski sat back down in his chair, defeated, as each of the Bishops viewed the Cardinal with newfound respect. Piwonski knew it. He was finished. He had lost his support around the table.
I’ll petition for a transfer. Then I won’t have to put up with this weak heretic anymore. Or I’ll write Rome myself about this fiasco. Let’s see what happens when the Pope’s Camerlengo hears about this meeting.
“Father Garrity, Sr. Theresa and Mr. Coady, thank you for coming in today and engaging with us on this most difficult issue. I would ask you to take leave now so we can begin our deliberations. Please be assured that we understand just how important the hospital is to your community, the city and the Church.”
“Bishops, we will now take as much time as necessary to fully vet this proposal. I want to make sure your voices are heard. Each of you.”
The Cardinal stood as his guests began to leave. This time, the Bishops rose as well, Piwonski being the last.
As the trio left the room, Father Garrity whispered something to Father Piwonski which caused his face to turn red. Then, David sidled up to Piwonski and reached out to shake his hand which Piwonski reluctantly took.
As he did, David pulled him close so he too could whisper in his ear. “He was ours before he was yours, Father. And he was a Rabbi. Try and remember that as you tend to your flock.” Piwonski’s face went crimson as he slumped back into his chair.
Sister Theresa, Father Garrity and David were shown out of the residence by the aged Nun who had greeted them upon their arrival. As they approached David’s car, Father Garrity stopped to reflect on all that had transpired.
“I have never seen the Cardinal behave with such enmity. Many of us have suspected that Piwonski should never have been confirmed as a Bishop but now we know the truth. A man of all the people, he is not. It is too bad for, I fear, there are many others who think as he does.”
Garrity reached for his phone in his overcoat pocket and made a quick call. “We did as well as we could. The case is before the Council but we know the Cardinal heard us. It is in his hands, and God’s. If I get any feedback, I’ll call you and vice versa.”
Father Garrity, smiling once again, got into his cab for the short ride to the Law School where he had a class to teach.
Sister and David got into his car for the ride back to the hospital campus. “Don’t worry, Sister,” David said. “I have a good feeling about this.”
“I hope you’re right, David. I just don’t know,” replied Sr. Theresa.
3:15 pm
David steered his car onto Lake Shore Drive and headed south to enjoy a more scenic route to the hospital. Besides, he knew that the Ryan would be a parking lot at this time of the day. Both he and Sr. Theresa were silent, lost in their thoughts, reflecting on what had just transpired. Silent, but Sister’s lips were moving.
Sr. Theresa looked down at the beads she was holding, then closed her eyes. “Lord. We have done all we can to preserve our legacy, our hospital, for the community. It would be horrible if a century’s worth of work of caring for all by your dedicated Servants were for naught. There are 80 of us waiting for your sign that our work is to continue. Lord, hear my prayer.”
Theresa opened her eyes to look at the lake which was starting to freeze over. The fading sun’s rays reflected on the snow.
“Help the Cardinal see the light and make the right decision. Help him to see through the evil before him. Lord, help the other Bishops stand up to evil themselves and support the Cardinal in this decision. And through his personal journey.”
4:00pm
David merged onto the exit ramp at 63rd street and turned right to go west. He knew he had to maneuver the many potholes which had materialized when the weather changed. And which may not get filled for many months, if at all.
“Well, that was a helluva meeting. I knew Piwonski was an asshole but I never thought he would disrespect the Cardinal the way he did. And, man, those other Bishops. Couldn’t they see that Piwonski wanted the power for himself? He wasn't about to share it with anyone. A dictator in Bishop’s clothing.”
David made a left turn onto California Avenue for the final half mile to the hospital.
“I hope those Bishops know they saw a great lesson in leadership and moral standing today. I don’t always agree with the Cardinal but I sure have immense respect for him and the tough job he has to do. I must be naive but I expected that his Council would speak with one voice. C’mon David, people are people. In corporations, in politics, in hospitals, in organized religion.”
4:15 pm
The phone rang in Sr. Theresa’s pocket as the car reached the Motherhouse. “Hello,” she said. “Oh, hello, Father Garrity. I’m glad you called. I didn’t take the time to truly thank you today for all you have done on our behalf. I guess I was still in shock from what took place in the meeting.”
“What? You received a call from the Cardinal already?”
“He’s going to approve the proposal and recommend it to Rome. Glory! Glory be to God! I can’t believe it. It is a dream come true. We can save the hospital and remain under the good graces of the Cardinal, of the Church!”
“What about the Bishops, especially Bishop Piwonski?”
Theresa’s eyes opened wide. “The Cardinal’s making a change?”
“Really? Now, that’s interesting.”
“Well, thank you for calling, Father. I’ll make sure David gets us all together so we can celebrate at a wonderful dinner. May the Lord be with you.”
“What was that?” asked David. “Has the decision been made already?”
“Yes,” Sr. Theresa replied. “The Cardinal decided in our favor. He is going to send the proposal to Rome with his strong recommendation”
“That’s great!” exclaimed David. “What a wonderful day it has turned out to be.”
“I’ll tell you another thing which is likely to bring a smile to your face,” said Sr. Theresa. “Bishop Piwonski is being transferred out of our Archdiocese.The paperwork has already been started.”
David sat back in his seat as a sense of self satisfaction permeated his body.
“Sister, please call the Motherhouse. I would like to stay for dinner, if that’s all right, so we can celebrate as a community.”
“Great idea, David,” Sr. Theresa said. “And I’ll have Sr. Agnes play some lively organ music for all of us to enjoy.”
5:00 pm
As David’s car pulled up to the Motherhouse, the Sisters who were physically able were standing outside in their coats, cheering.
Sr. Theresa and David got out of the car to thunderous applause. There was music floating through the air as Sr. Agnes’ recital was heard through the Chapel’s open windows. Relief and joy was evident on everyone’s faces.
“Let’s go eat,” said Sr. Theresa. “Sr. Regina found some special wine we can have with dinner.”
The music stopped and Sr. Agnes opened the Chapel’s door and stepped outside. She gave David a big hug as tears of gratitude filled her eyes.
“Thank you, Sister,” David said. “Hey, I have a favor to ask. Would you dance with me at the hospital employee banquet next month?”
“I can’t think of anything that would make me happier,” She replied as she took his arm and guided him in for dinner.
David smiled at the response. He wasn’t sure she would accept his offer but was glad she did.
“I have to go back to that crappy apartment tonight when our dinner is over, but it will be ok. One of these days I’ll move to a nicer place. But that’s not the lesson learned today, is it? Helping those who need your help, hand in hand with others who feel the same way. Values. That’s the key. Money sure as hell can’t buy that.”
6:00 pm
The Chapel door squeaked as the Cardinal opened it for his evening prayers. Tonight, he was alone. He needed to be alone. He struggled to kneel, crossed himself and closed his eyes.
“Lord, thank you for the guidance you showed me today and for the fortitude to do the right thing. I don’t know how much longer I can do your work but now I know I am destined to continue to take on this challenge. There are people out there, even within the Church, who want to follow their words, not yours.”
The Cardinal paused to look around his small but resplendent chapel. Then he shifted his gaze to the stained glass skylights above him. The winter moon was beginning to show its face and, with it, the stars.
“Today was enlightening in so many ways. The pure work of the Sisters, the importance of a trusted advisor who is both smart and politically astute, the dedication of professionals who are driven by Mission and not personal gain. Those were my lessons today. Thank you for the light which shined on them through the conference room’s windows this afternoon. Good people were highlighted by your sun. The enemy was shrouded in the dark. I knew what must be done.